Plural hose



Jan. 6, 1953 w. J. PUGH 2,624,366

i PLURAL HOSE Filed Julx 22. 1952 Y QAM@ (am filo/wey,

each other and from end to end thereof.

Patented Jan. 6, 1953 PLURAL HOSE William J. Pugh, Piedmont, Calif. Application July 22, 1952, Serial No. 300,153

(Cl. 13S- 87) y Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in plural or multiple passage hose construction whereby the handling of such articles of desired or indefinite lengths by workmen is facilitated and the uses to which it may be employed are thus greatly increased.

The invention wasA first fully shown, described and claimed in my co-pending application, Serial No. 112,475, led August 26, 1949, now abandoned.

Such a multiple passage hose is usually employed to conduct gases and fluids of differentv character, at different pressures and for different purposes from' separate sources to a common delivery point. For example, in gas welding where long lengths of such hose are usually'required, the oxygen and the'actylene gasare each l conducted from their respective supply tanks to a remote welding torch. A separate and well isolated conduit is required for each such gas and the mixing for combustion is done at the torch.

It will be readily seen that for such uses a plural hose of the general type herein shown and comprising two or more hoses or conduits secured together has been found to be preferable to a plurality of separate single hoses, in that these hoses which are generally of great lengths must extend to a single point for use as a unit, and must be easily handled and useable without twisting, snarling and/or tangling.

Aside from the use of separate single hoses, all other types of plural or multiple passage hoses heretofore known, have had much the same serious disadvantages, for instance: One prior type of plural hose, used for the above described purposes, has been made by cementing and/or vulcanizing separate hoses directly to Such a resulting plural hose structure may obviously be handled as a unit in great lengths without undue snarling and tangling until the gases are introduced into the separate passages thereof at the pressures required at the delivery end thereof. Under such operating conditions, however, the hose lengths haveat times come apart and become tangled because of the necessarily long and narrow line of juncture therebetween. Obviously, such a structure has failed to give satisfactory results in conducting different gases under varying pressures with the required long lengths thereof. f

A second known type of plural hose tested for such use and comprising separately preformed hose lengths is held together at relatively closely spaced intervals by metal bands or ferrulesof relatively rigid material. Under normal operating conditions which may be considered to be generally similar to those previously stated, the projecting edges of the relatively rigid ferrules tend to catch onto any extending or projecting edge portions making handling and feeding of the plural hose difficult. The necessary spaced relation of such ferrules leaves unattached lengths therebetween which in use writhe about and twist under extension from internal pressure causing snarling and tying up of such portion. Such ferrules have also'caused crimping, cutting and otherphysical damage to the hoses when -too tight. However, when too loose the ferrules are caused to creep and extend the unjoined portions of hose lengths to such extent that they become fouled up with projecting mechanisms as well as snarled and tangled.

A third type of plural hose comprises an integral structure having separate passages therethrough. Such a structure is usually composed of two or more slightly spaced, parallel inner tubes or lengths of rubber each having an exterior reenforcing covering of textile fabric cemented thereto and a single relatively thick outer layer or covering of rubber molded thereon as a unit completely around each of the fabric covered tubes and vulcanized thereto as a one-piece multiple hose. Obviously, there are many problems in the economical manufacture of such a vulcanized unitary structure. One important problem is how to properly cure the inner tubes when applying the heat necessary to vulcanize the outer layer to the fabric coverings of the tubes. While such a unit structure is stronger than the separate connected plural hose structures, of types one and two (described above), and as easy to handle and feed to a desired location for use, it is nevertheless subject to twisting, Isnarling and consequent tang'ling with everything in its path when unequal fluid pressures are developed within the separate passages of the integral'rubber structure because of the unitary structure.

The integralmultiple passage hose has a further disadvantage in use, in that it is dicult to separate the outer relatively heavy and thick rubber casing or layer from the inner integrally vulcanized tube portions at any required point therealong when it is necessary to make separate connections with the separate tube sections thereof.

A still further disadvantage of a unitary,

molded multi-passageway structure of this character is that it has not been possible to determine quickly, and from a mere examination of the outer surface of the structure, which passageway concealed therein is being used for what purpose. In an attempt to correct this situation it has been proposed to construct the inner rubber tubes and/or the fabric coverings therefor of differently colored materials. But in such instancesit is Ieither necessary to mutilate and weaken the hose structure at any point therealong where this information is desired or to inspect the ends of the hose where the colors may be observed.

The present invention solves all of the problems above enumerated by providing an inexpensive, light weight reenforced plural hose from preformed complete hose lengths of different colors and having full strength wall construction. Thedifferently colored hose lengths are then securely held in adjacent parallel, non-rotative, yet relative longitudinally extensible relationshipaatfevery point throughout'their length 'byr aVV single trans-- parent, light weight inextensiblezand inexpansible` jacket, through which every portionzofthe' encased hoses are Valways visible. Hence, Vapproved lengths of preformed hoses produced from standardmaterials readily available on `the market' are employed for the manufacture ofthezinstant improved plural hose and withonly a .minimum of special equipment. Moreover, the present hose may be made in as long lengths as'rdesired and maybe cut at any point required and according to the distinctivel designating coloration of the'hose and at the point-of use.

A further objectof my invention is to'provi'de a multiple house structure in desired lengths.Y in which a plurality of lengths of'individual preformed hoses having axially extending corrugations thereon are jointly supported in correspondingly corrugated, transparent, inexpensible jacket walls for free stretching movements axially of each other, but-in which jacket walls the respective hose elements cannot twistlor Writhe because` of the radial interlock between the corrugations on the hose and the complementary mating surface on the inside of the jacket walls.

The outer surface .of the elastic hoses andthe inner walls of the inextensible'and inexpansible jacket arein frictional relativelyl movable and/or slidable engagement.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description'of a preferred and modified form thereof,'taken in connection with the accompanying Vdrawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 iisxa broken, .transverse sectionallisometric view showing portions of the'hoses'unequallygextendedifrom the plane of section'of'theunbonded connection with the jacket;

Fig. 2 is'a View similar-to VVl.=ig..1.of a =modied embodiment rof the invention with :the sectioned ends lof thek hoses and. Vjacket nin .thefsame plane; and

Fig. 3i is-.a 'diagrammatic plan view, disclosingfa method by which .the article'mayvbe;formed.

Referring now to the preferredformofthe invention shown in detail in Fig. 1, it willbe noted that the plural passage hose there illustrated is produced from two lengths of standard rubber hose such as may be purchased in the open market. Further, that in accordance with accepted and now standard practice `one of said two hoses is colored red, Whereas the other is green. If vone ormoreadditional hoses were added. to

Vand IIf.

this plural hose or passageway structure it is obvious that such additional hose or hoses would be of colors contrasting with that of the said usual "two hoses, as a quick and safe means of identifying each.

Irrespective of the number of hoses employed in a required plural hose structure (see Fig. 1), each said hose unit I0 and II will comprise a preformed lengthof rubberhose, the `wall structuresof` whichare usually fabricated `with intermediate reenforcing layers of fabric I2 and I3. .The interior cylindrical Walls I4 and I5 of these standard type hoses I0 and II are preferably .smooth but as shown, the exterior walls are preferably longitudinally ribbed, as indicated at I6 It is-also quite common to provide such hose lengths of rubber in a desired color and with a longitudinally ribbed or other roughened exterior wall. In the instant case, however, the provision of longitudinal ribs on the exterior cylindricall surface of thehoses isv for a purpose later'totbe'described.

.The .type and l,character ofi-hoses employed in thepluralhose-structureof Fig. 2, may be identical Yin every respect with'thatshown in. Fig. 1, except that the exterior surfaces I8 and I9 are smooth instead `of ribbed .andfgrooved Ineach' of the forms of Figs. 1 and 2 the lplural hose includes a pair of preformed, standard hose elements I0 and I I, I0' and Il respectively which are;retained in uniform slightlyspaced parallel relationship throughout their length by enclosing jackets v2l) :and 20 respectively of transparent'inextensible; light-weghtplastic material.

Inxthe` case o'f' the-.preferred formpf' Fig. 1, the conflgurationof the inner surfaces 2l and 22 of the parallel; tubular wall portions of the jacket 20, corresponds exactly'with the outer ribbed surfaces I6 and I'I of the respectively supported hose lengths I0 and II. In Fig. 2 the meeting rubber surfaces IS-and I9, with the interior cylindrical walls of the plastic jacket 20 are all smooth.

'These unitary coverings or jackets 20 and 20 may suitably be formed from vinyl resin which Will'notonly desirably retain the plurality of hose elements in parallel uniform spaced relation at every point throughout their length, but will also form a strong protecting inexpansible sheath. which reenforces the tubular wall structures of the rubber hoses and prevents abrasion thereof, prevents softening and damage from oil, -grease and other attacking agents; clearly shows through the clear, unitary, transparent wall structure thedistinguishingcharacter and physical Acondition of every portion of each hose element; 'permits lrelative longitudinal extension and/or creepingvof the respective hose elements inside the sheath, (indicated by the double headed arrow in Fig. 1), and provides close supporting engagement-without adherence and bonding with the surface areas of the respective hoses.

fA's-will'be understood from the above descriptionl'of parts in reference-to-the'preferred form, therseparately-'supported"and encased hoses IQ and I I are restrained'against twistingand turning-movements `within the-'jacket 20 by the interengaging and cooperating ribs and valleys of the surfaces I6 and I'Iwith the opposed surfaces 2| and 22. These cooperating rib and valley portions being of different non-bonding materials provide smooth guideways for such relative longitudinal movement Vbut willprevent angular displacement of these parts in use.

`In the form..of Fg..2,.like. that in Fig. 1, the

and H may indipressure, etc. In certain body constructions of hose and for such hoses having a smooth or plain outer surface may be satisfactorily incorporated into a non-bonding plastic jacket arrangement as shown in Fig. 2. Such an arrangement of parts will of course permit relative movements in sboth longitudinal and rotative directions.

To further strengthen the structure of Fig. 2 against relative twisting movements and possible separation and other damage therefrom, the molded jacket of Fig. 2 is shown as formed with integral reenforcing beads 23 and 2d which are disposed at the juncture of the cylindrical wall portions of the jacket and extend outward from the central longitudinal web portion 25, of the jacket.

While the drawings show the structures in somewhat enlarged form, for clearness of detail, it will be understood that in normal use the average plastic jacket thickness will be from ftl to als of an inch thickness with the connecting web portion 25 about 1A; of an inch. However, as above explained, the plastic from which the jacket 20 is made is preferably a material which is incompatible with the rubber or plastic from which the preformed hoses I and l l are made, so that no bonding occurs when the jacket 2li is molded about the hoses. The plastic jacket 26 will shrink slightly when treated in a water bath and will then freely but rmly hold the hoses I0 and Il in desired operative relationship. By this construction the jacket 20 may be severed and/or cut away wherever desired and the standard hoses I0 and Il may then be separated quite easily, or connections made therewith as desired or required.

As is indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 3, the plural hose above described and comprising two or more lengths of standard rubber hose sup'- p'orted in adjacent parallel relationship, in a unitary and seamless, transparent jacket, may be produced in a plastic extrusion mold.

In the method and apparatus generally indicated the first step is to align the hoses I and H fed from reels 2B and 21 so that they are adjacentv one another but preferably do not quite touch. Then they are passed into an extrusion mold 28 having the desired conformation. There the transparent thermoplastic material (e. g. vinyl resin) is owed completely around the hoses l0 and ll under required pressure and heat conditions and molded thereon to form the unitary jacket 20.

From the extrusion mold 28, the jacketed hoses 2D may pass through a tank of water 29 where the jacket 20 is cooled, and shrunk into the final shape. Other treating steps may be employed according to the type of jacket desired and the type of plastic employed for the jacket 20. The treated product may then be wound on a reel 30 for later distribution in long coils or for later cutting to shorter lengths.

specific uses it has been found thatv extend longitudinally of the axis thereof and relatively to theV jacket 20' under varying conditions of internal It will be seen that this method provides for the continuous manufacture of twin hose in lengths as long as the single hoses from which they are made. It also should be noted that the single hoses i@ and Ii employed may be selected from the open market to meet special requirements as practically any type of iinished hose is suitable for the process described, and the jacket 29 may be made from a variety or suitable materials provided the resultant product will be light in weight yet strong and inexpensive to produce and maintain.

To those skilled in the art it will be obvious that various changes may be made beyond what is shown and described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as covered by the appended claims.

I claim:

l. A plural hose construction comprising a plurality of juxtaposed parallel fluid conducting elastic rubber hoses, a relatively thin inelastic jacket enclosing said hoses, the inner wall of said jacket rmly engaging the outer walls of said hoses and being slidable relative thereto for relative creeping movement between the jacket of the hoses under the action of variable luid pressures in the hoses.

2. A plural hose construction comprising a plurality of juxtaposed parallel iluid conducting elastic hoses having visibly distinguishable outer surfaces, a relatively thin transparent inelastic jacket surrounding said hoses, the inner wall of said jacket rmly engaging the outer walls of said hoses and being slidable relative thereto for relative creeping movement between the jacket and the hoses under the action of variable fluid pressures in the hoses.

3. A plural hose construction comprising a pair of juxtaposed parallel fluid conducting elastic rubber hoses having their adjacent outer wall portions in spaced relation, an inelastic jacket including a pair of cylindrical portions united by a unitary web disposed between said adjacent outer wall portions of the hoses, the inner walls of said cylindrical portions rmly and slidably engaging the outer walls of the hoses for relative creeping movement between the hoses and jacket under the action of variable fluid pressures in the hoses.

4. The structure according to claim 3, together with a pair of reenforcing beads projecting outwaliadly from said jacket and aligned with said we 5. A plural hose construction comprising a plurality of juxtaposed parallel uid conducting elastic hoses, a relatively thin and relatively inelastic jacket surrounding and rmly embracing said hoses, the opposed walls of said hoses and said jacket being provided with longitudinally extending interengaging ribs and valleys whose cooperating surfaces are relatively slidable longitudinally of the hoses for relative longitudinal creeping movement between the hoses and the jacket under the action of variable fluid pressures Vin the hoses.

WILLIAM J. PUGH. 

